As the karanga chant rang out at dawn on the first official Matariki holiday, Seven Sharp reporter Te Rauhiringa Brown and Abikaroa actor Mauri Oho Stokes separately sent a wish to the stars to conceive a much-longed-for baby together.
Unbeknownst to each other, they both had set the same intention, desperately hoping a newborn would be part of their future after years spent trying to get pregnant.
Three months later in October 2022, while picking up dinner from the Pakuranga night market, Te Rauhiringa had the first inkling she was expecting.
"The smell made me feel really sick and the only other time that's ever happened, especially towards kai I love, was when I was pregnant with the boys," recalls Te Rauhiringa, 30, who is mum to sons Te Mapuna, 12, and Te Rangikohea, nine.
She and Mauri were due at a cast wrap party that night for the fifth season of bi-lingual drama Ahikaroa, but excitedly took a pregnancy test at home first.
"It had been about three years of trying and we had started talking about seeing a fertility specialist - that's the point we were at," recalls Te Rauhiringa, who was shocked but overjoyed to see the positive result. "It's our Matariki wish come true."
Mauri, 31, had been dreaming of this baby for so long, it took a while for the news to sink in.
"I've been involved with the boys for about six years, and had lots of practise with nieces and nephews, but I've always pictured my little baby running around the marae," he shares.
Now eight months pregnant, it's Te Rauhiringa's third baby another son and her first with Mauri. They were cautious of celebrating too early, but as the second trimester arrived and they felt their boy moving and kicking, it was hard to contain their excitement. And their whānau feel the same way.
This story is from the April 21, 2023 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 21, 2023 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The perfect GETAWAY
From lengthy airport clinches to party ghosting, Michéle examines goodbyes
Message in a BOTTLE
Kevin makes a discovery in his shed that piques his detective skills
Empowered & thriving! PERFECT AT ANY AGE
Weekly editor Marilynn bravely shares her bold new approach to living her best life at 50 and beyond
Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE
From stressed to refreshed! Lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr Jenny Brockis shares the simple steps you should adopt to give your wellbeing a boost
Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT
The podcaster’s eyes have been opened to a new way of life
TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD
After a tough start to motherhood, the foodie tells how she reclaimed her life
Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART
After a decade in the country, she’s given up the good life to return home
New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро
It was a big shift channelling his talent into the hit show Moving Houses, but the sporting legend is a natural
Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART
The actor is embracing life with his zero-drama’ partner
Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB
The Kiwi health legend is taking a jab at teaching kids important life skills